Nkechi Blessing cancels movie release of Egusi Ogbono after the sudden death of Nollywood actor Cjay, with funeral details yet to be announced

Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has cancelled the scheduled release of her movie Egusi Ogbono following the sudden death of actor Chijioke Temidayo Nwokafor, popularly known as Cjay.

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Nkechi Blessing had planned to release Egusi Ogbono at 5pm on Wednesday, 30 September, but the actress abandoned the release plans after Cjay was confirmed dead at a hospital.

The development transformed what had been expected to be a celebratory day for the actress and her production team into a period of grief.

Nkechi Blessing announced the cancellation in an emotional Instagram video after visiting the hospital, where she mourned Cjay while struggling to contain her emotions.

“Cjay, this was never the plan,” the actress wrote in her tribute.

Nkechi Blessing did not disclose the circumstances surrounding Cjay’s death, and no official explanation had been made public as of the time of reporting.

Cjay’s full name was Chijioke Temidayo Nwokafor. He was from Awka, Anambra State, and was based in Lagos, where he pursued his acting career.

The actor began his professional career in 2021 and subsequently appeared in a number of Nollywood productions.

His credits included Larry Cold, Mum Overnight, A Day To My Wedding, The Lies She Tell and What Time Left.

Although Cjay was still building his career in the Nigerian film industry, his death has brought an abrupt end to a journey that began only a few years ago.

The timing of his death made the loss particularly difficult for Nkechi Blessing and those connected to Egusi Ogbono, as the film had been scheduled for release on the same day.

Rather than proceed with the premiere, Nkechi Blessing chose to pause the project as she processed the loss of her colleague.

The actress has not announced a new release date for Egusi Ogbono.

Details surrounding Cjay’s death also remained unclear, while arrangements for his funeral had yet to be made public.

The cancellation reflects the human dimension behind Nollywood productions, where actors and filmmakers often develop close professional relationships while working on projects together.

For Nkechi Blessing, the immediate priority was therefore mourning Cjay rather than promoting the film that had been due to reach audiences that evening.

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Further details about the actor’s death and funeral arrangements are expected to emerge from his family or representatives.